Anna Marie White Doncavage

November 18, 2013

Anna Marie White Doncavage, age 92, of Clymer, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at UPMC Hamot after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Nov. 3, 2013.

She was born Nov. 15, 1921, in Frewsburg, N.Y., the daughter of the late Michael White, Sr. and Eva (Ozga) White.

Anna was a graduate of Sherman Central School in Sherman, N.Y., where she served as class of 1940 president. She attended St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church, French Creek, N.Y., since she was 9 years old.

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She served with the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II as a Company Clerk at the POW Camp at Fort Custer, in Battle Creek, Mich. She was honorably discharged in 1946 with an American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Service Plaque, and WAAC Service Ribbon.

She was a member of The American Legion and the Women's Memorial. She served as secretary and treasurer of the French Creek Cemetery Association for 32 years and was a current board member.

Anna married Leroy Ivan Doncavage on July 28, 1951, at St. Matthias RC Church. Together, they dairy farmed for more than 40 years, raising and breeding registered Holstein cattle at Creekdell Farm, French Creek, N.Y. She be-came known as "The Cook," or "The Mrs." by her husband, family and friends. She reaped the rewards of a farming lifestyle and gardened, canned and served meals from scratch for family and friends her entire life.

Anna graduated from Corry Manor's Rehabilitation Program in 2009 at the age of 87, after which she returned home to live independently. She took pride in working every day and had this year's wood supply stowed for the winter.

Anna enjoyed many road trips to and from Colorado to pick up her three grandchildren for summer vacations on the farm. She also enjoyed spending time with her son and their friends at Paradise Bay Park, Findley Lake, N.Y. Anna had the gift of gab and loved a good laugh or prank. She always had a bouquet on her kitchen table, even if it was just a few stems of roadside weeds! Anna lived a humble and full life. She delighted in playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was proud of their many accomplishments and activities.

The weekend that she was admitted to the hospital, she attended the circus with her daughter, grand-daughter, and two great-grandchildren and made homemade applesauce on her wood cook stove.

She is survived by her daughter, Lydia Carey (Paul); a son, Lawrence "Ockie" Doncavage; her grandchildren: Bill Carey (Misty), Jim Carey (Beth) and Paula Carey; her great-grandchildren: Hunter, Owen, Megan, Parker, Livvie and Ryan; her sister, Julie Chylinski; her brother, John White (Ann); her sister, Rose Zuchoski; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Doncavage; a brother, Michael White, Jr.; and a sister, Mary Anzalone.

Family and friends may call at Spitzer Funeral Home, 135 Miller St., Sher-man, N.Y., Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Matthias RC Church, French Creek, N.Y. Burial with full military honors will be at the French Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to a local fire department of your choice or the French Creek Cemetery Association, 9708 Marks Corners Road, Clymer, NY 14724.